Word for the Week

Week beginning: 26th October, 2014

By Claire Wilkinson | Lusaka, Zambia

"Not one of you will enter the land I swore with uplifted hand to make your home, except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun."

Numbers 14:30 (NIV)

Numbers 14 tells the story of the rebellion of Israel. Ten of the spies reported to the community that the land was unconquerable. Caleb and Joshua, however, trusted God: "If the LORD is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land…..." (v.8)

Caleb and Joshua had witnessed the same facts: Canaan was a bountiful land, with fortified cities and powerful people. But, above all, they saw the only fact that mattered: the Sovereign Lord. God had promised, they had seen His works and they stood on His faithfulness. As a result, they interpreted the situation very differently, spoke unpopular truth, and were the only two of that generation to reach the Promised Land.

As those involved in the study and practice of the law, we are trained to assess the facts and deliver opinions. Our views are powerful - others will act upon them. How important then, to always speak truth - based not just on 'earthly' facts or majority opinions, but grounded in the promises of God. The opposition we face today is unlikely to be a huge crowd threatening to stone us (14:10), but it will be real. Like Caleb and Joshua may we wholeheartedly serve God, so that we speak truth and live to see His promises fulfilled.

Prayer Points:

1) Ask God to show you areas in your life where you are holding back from trusting him wholeheartedly, and recommit these areas to him.2) Pray for the upcoming LCF conference in November. Give thanks for those who are coming to speak to us.